U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Simi Valley, the longest serving congressional representative in Ventura County history, announced this morning that he will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of the current Congress.

In a prepared statement, Gallegly said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife Janice and their family and friends.

Serving in Congress and representing my home for 25 years is the greatest experience I could have ever asked for," he said. "Working with our countrys leadership on a daily basis in striving to move toward a better, stronger and more vibrant America for more than two decades has been a dream come true. The decision to step aside at this time did not come lightly. But in the end, Janice and I decided now was the right time to begin the next chapter in our lives. We are truly blessed to have our health, our family, and so many, many friends that we look forward to spending more time with."

Elton served this nation and his district ably and well. He’ll be hard to replace. When the redistricting was done this year, the boundary was drawn in a way that excluded his home. This is a seat the Rats will be looking to pick up. He’s been a consistent battler for the good guys, and I’d have been delighted to see him continue in office. Guess that’s why I’ve been one of his financial supporters for most of those 25 years.

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